Our 23rd. great grand child was born last Wednesday, June25, 2008 he weighed in at 7lbs.7 ozs and is 19 inches long. ( I typed this same thing the day he was born but it dissapeared into cyber-space.) I went up to the hospital to visit him and his parents. He is a beautiful baby. He was only about 5 hours old but he appeared to be very calm and happy to be here!
I could not tell who he lookes like or resembles. He has very light hair and white eye lashes and eye brows, so maybe he will live up to his name. Rowan, it says means red-headed Irishman.
They came home from the hospital yesterday and he and his big sister, Maureen had a chance to get to know each other. I think they are going to have to synchronize sleep times to make for a more pleasant existance for moma and daddy.
I think they are going to be an outstanding family and I can hardly wait to interact with them. Maureen will have a lot to teach Rowan and he will also teach her what having a baby brother is all about. Won't it be fun? Lots of love to all of them from Great-grandma.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Whine time
Gasoline is now over $4.00 per gallon. I filled up my tank and it cost $60.00 How did everything get so far out of control? All of the important items that all families need are becoming so costly because of the gas prices, milk, meat ,vegetables, cereals, fruits , medications and many, many more items are all much more expensive than usual.
We can no longer trust that our foods are safe to eat. Fresh spinach causing e-coli illnesses and even death, fresh tomatoes causing salmenella ( I don't know how to spell that word) and certain medications causing heart problems...what next?
Air travel has become an embarrassment. Prices have more than doubled and service has deteriorated to the point that more and more people are not flying because of delays, cancelled flights, lost luggage, fees charged for each bag, and finally the ultimate insult...no nuts!
I have a $150. voucher to fly anywhere in the U S that Delta sent me to try to soothe my ruffled feathers over a snafu that caused me to spend a night in Atlanta on my way to Sarasota. I figure I could probably fly to Cincinnati one way on that meager amount.
On top of all this, my car radio quit working, my television in my bedroom only works part of the time and seems to be getting worse, and if that isn't enough, the squirrells keep digging up the plants in my planter on the front porch!~
On the other hand I'm trying to get my 'stuff' organized, and I'm making progress. My car trunk is now empty of all school supplies and books, some of which have been there since May 2007. The weather has been spectacular and I got to go to Cincinnati to a Reds game...life is sweet!
We can no longer trust that our foods are safe to eat. Fresh spinach causing e-coli illnesses and even death, fresh tomatoes causing salmenella ( I don't know how to spell that word) and certain medications causing heart problems...what next?
Air travel has become an embarrassment. Prices have more than doubled and service has deteriorated to the point that more and more people are not flying because of delays, cancelled flights, lost luggage, fees charged for each bag, and finally the ultimate insult...no nuts!
I have a $150. voucher to fly anywhere in the U S that Delta sent me to try to soothe my ruffled feathers over a snafu that caused me to spend a night in Atlanta on my way to Sarasota. I figure I could probably fly to Cincinnati one way on that meager amount.
On top of all this, my car radio quit working, my television in my bedroom only works part of the time and seems to be getting worse, and if that isn't enough, the squirrells keep digging up the plants in my planter on the front porch!~
On the other hand I'm trying to get my 'stuff' organized, and I'm making progress. My car trunk is now empty of all school supplies and books, some of which have been there since May 2007. The weather has been spectacular and I got to go to Cincinnati to a Reds game...life is sweet!
Monday, June 23, 2008
continued
I heard on the news yestrday that the same person that shot the man on the motorcycle also lost her cool at a basketball game at a YWCA where her child was playing in a game, and argued with a fan and finally hit the person in the forehead with the heel of her hand! This girl has a serious anger problem! That must have been before she got her gun.She has a trail of victims! Do you think Apex can top this?
When you have little casual exachanges with other people, strangers you meet in the grocery line, at the gas pump, sitting next to you at the ball game, and various other places it's a good thing. Conversation snippets like, "I hope the rains stop. I think I left my windows up." I had to run out to the grocery before breakfast, I'm out of milk." "How about those Cards? :Wildcats?" "Shamrocks"? (Depending on what logo they are wearing) You are less likely to be harmed by those people because by your casual remarks you become 'real' to them. If people are not 'real 'to each other they are dangerous to each other. I read that somewhere and I sorta believe it to be true. Now, it won't always work, like if you say, " I think your wig is on crooked." or "Wow, what size shirt do you wear?" or other tactless little snippets ,you may well expect to be hurt.
We do need to be more civil to our fellow men and women. The other day I came out of the grocery store and it was raining really hard. I have a pop up umbrella and my hands were very cold and blue and numb, I could not press hard enough on the button to get the umbrella up. I struggled with it for a few minutes and finally I asked the woman standing next to me if she could help me out. She was very gratious and popped it open for me. She had no umbrella so I asked if she would like me to walk her to her car. She was so surprised and thankful for the offer. There we were exchanging little pieces of humanity!
Speaking of which, I read an article in the paper this morning that pointed out to us that, " We live in dangerous times." A company spokesman for Occidental Petroleum Corp. said "Executives from oil-and-gas companies have been threatened and abducted." So, because of this they spent $774,756 last year on home-alarm systems and around-the-clock security guards to keep their CEO Ray R. Irani safe. (Name sounds phony to me.)
Directors of Valero Energy Corp, a rival oil concern with more than four times Occidental's revenue, aren't as worried. Their spending on security for CEO William R. Klesse last year totaled just $239 for a home-alarm monitoring service,that was a perk recently extended to all Valero workers. What can I say?
When you have little casual exachanges with other people, strangers you meet in the grocery line, at the gas pump, sitting next to you at the ball game, and various other places it's a good thing. Conversation snippets like, "I hope the rains stop. I think I left my windows up." I had to run out to the grocery before breakfast, I'm out of milk." "How about those Cards? :Wildcats?" "Shamrocks"? (Depending on what logo they are wearing) You are less likely to be harmed by those people because by your casual remarks you become 'real' to them. If people are not 'real 'to each other they are dangerous to each other. I read that somewhere and I sorta believe it to be true. Now, it won't always work, like if you say, " I think your wig is on crooked." or "Wow, what size shirt do you wear?" or other tactless little snippets ,you may well expect to be hurt.
We do need to be more civil to our fellow men and women. The other day I came out of the grocery store and it was raining really hard. I have a pop up umbrella and my hands were very cold and blue and numb, I could not press hard enough on the button to get the umbrella up. I struggled with it for a few minutes and finally I asked the woman standing next to me if she could help me out. She was very gratious and popped it open for me. She had no umbrella so I asked if she would like me to walk her to her car. She was so surprised and thankful for the offer. There we were exchanging little pieces of humanity!
Speaking of which, I read an article in the paper this morning that pointed out to us that, " We live in dangerous times." A company spokesman for Occidental Petroleum Corp. said "Executives from oil-and-gas companies have been threatened and abducted." So, because of this they spent $774,756 last year on home-alarm systems and around-the-clock security guards to keep their CEO Ray R. Irani safe. (Name sounds phony to me.)
Directors of Valero Energy Corp, a rival oil concern with more than four times Occidental's revenue, aren't as worried. Their spending on security for CEO William R. Klesse last year totaled just $239 for a home-alarm monitoring service,that was a perk recently extended to all Valero workers. What can I say?
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Road Rage Gone Wild!
We still have not totally solved the last shoot out in Kentuckyanna and now we have another one brewing. It seems we have a woman this time with a teen-age son and a gun up against a Harley Dude.
They got into some kind of game whereby the take turns cutting each other off and tempers flared. The Harley Dude had had it and he raced ahead and stopped in the middle of the road and got off his bike and decided to have a little face to face confrontation. He strode up toward the teen's mama's car and she pulled out her gun and plugged him in the chest! I understand they had exchanged words but I don't think he got to use his there at the end.
A further review of the situation revealed that mama had been involved in a similar incedent of this nature a few months ago. Seems that time that the opponent was a man in a car. When he reached the boiling point he also jumped out of his car and approached her. She quickly pulled her gun and aimed it at him and he turned tail and ran. He got the heck out of Dodge. Good thinking on his part, I'd say. This has become a habit for her. However, she had a licence to carry!! Do they not revoke your licence if you use your gun irresponsibly?
The Harley Dude (one time manslaughter convict) is still in University Hospital. I wonder if he has a gun.
I don't think any charges have been made yet but I'll be watching and keep you posted. I do have a bit of advise, Don't , under any circumstances get out of your car and approach another person, if they are cutting you off just blow your or (Per Karen, flip them the bird and run like hell.
They got into some kind of game whereby the take turns cutting each other off and tempers flared. The Harley Dude had had it and he raced ahead and stopped in the middle of the road and got off his bike and decided to have a little face to face confrontation. He strode up toward the teen's mama's car and she pulled out her gun and plugged him in the chest! I understand they had exchanged words but I don't think he got to use his there at the end.
A further review of the situation revealed that mama had been involved in a similar incedent of this nature a few months ago. Seems that time that the opponent was a man in a car. When he reached the boiling point he also jumped out of his car and approached her. She quickly pulled her gun and aimed it at him and he turned tail and ran. He got the heck out of Dodge. Good thinking on his part, I'd say. This has become a habit for her. However, she had a licence to carry!! Do they not revoke your licence if you use your gun irresponsibly?
The Harley Dude (one time manslaughter convict) is still in University Hospital. I wonder if he has a gun.
I don't think any charges have been made yet but I'll be watching and keep you posted. I do have a bit of advise, Don't , under any circumstances get out of your car and approach another person, if they are cutting you off just blow your or (Per Karen, flip them the bird and run like hell.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Tim Russert R.I.P.
As those of you that know me know that I am a political junkie. I love politics, government, history, and anything to do with those subjects. I love to watch all the TV coverage of the elections, the candidates and openion shows. I like to be informed. I like to try to make informed decisions when I vote, at any level. I cringe at the thought of people going to the polls and voting for people because they like their name, because their next door neighbor likes a certain one, or because the candidate is good looking, or for any number of frivolous reasons. Maybe we'd be better off if they just didn't vote at all.
For a number of years I have read the columnists, listened to the broadcasters, read News magazines, read The Atlantic, Washington Monthly and other publications that keep us informed so that I can get a better picture of the people that will be running our city,county, and Country. I think it is every American's duty to ask what our candidates believe in, what their concerns are, are they going to try to make an effort to better the lives of all the people, rich and poor alike. I want compassionate people governing our country. The only way I can get a handle on what kind of people are seeking office is to pay close attention to all of the above mentioned venues.
I also have to study the people telling us the news, I read about their backgrounds, their education, their family lives their veracity and integrity. Some of them I can dismiss out of hand because they do not exhibit the values and behavior that meet the highest standards.
Tim Russert was one of the people that I held in high regard. He was honest, humorous, compassionate, well informed and above all ,he was kind. Even though he was a relentless interviewer, he was never arrogant or openly judgemental. He tried his best to present people as they truly are. If they were not the caliber of person we would want to vote for he had a way of questioning them so that we could figure out for ourselves what they were like. I did not always agree with his predictions but I did agree more often than not. My disagreement at times was because I didn't want him to be right, but he was right more often than not, too
He was not shy about saying that he was a Roman Catholic, had gone to schools taught by Jesuits, he frequently mentioned a nun that was influncial in his life. He had good values and valued highly his family, his dad, his son and his wife. His dad drove a garbage truck in Buffalo, NY at one time, his parents were down to earth hard working, religious people and he followed in their footsteps and spoke often about giving his son those values that he had been taught. He was a humble man and he was not embarrassed to shed tears when the atrocites were overwhelming or on a few occasions, poignant.
Many, many times I've said, after watching some speech or some election result or some scandal, "I can't wait to see what Tim Russert has to say." He was so young and he is going to miss perhaps what will be the most important election in the history of America and we will miss him. I shed tears today. Who will be able to step up and try to fill the void?
For a number of years I have read the columnists, listened to the broadcasters, read News magazines, read The Atlantic, Washington Monthly and other publications that keep us informed so that I can get a better picture of the people that will be running our city,county, and Country. I think it is every American's duty to ask what our candidates believe in, what their concerns are, are they going to try to make an effort to better the lives of all the people, rich and poor alike. I want compassionate people governing our country. The only way I can get a handle on what kind of people are seeking office is to pay close attention to all of the above mentioned venues.
I also have to study the people telling us the news, I read about their backgrounds, their education, their family lives their veracity and integrity. Some of them I can dismiss out of hand because they do not exhibit the values and behavior that meet the highest standards.
Tim Russert was one of the people that I held in high regard. He was honest, humorous, compassionate, well informed and above all ,he was kind. Even though he was a relentless interviewer, he was never arrogant or openly judgemental. He tried his best to present people as they truly are. If they were not the caliber of person we would want to vote for he had a way of questioning them so that we could figure out for ourselves what they were like. I did not always agree with his predictions but I did agree more often than not. My disagreement at times was because I didn't want him to be right, but he was right more often than not, too
He was not shy about saying that he was a Roman Catholic, had gone to schools taught by Jesuits, he frequently mentioned a nun that was influncial in his life. He had good values and valued highly his family, his dad, his son and his wife. His dad drove a garbage truck in Buffalo, NY at one time, his parents were down to earth hard working, religious people and he followed in their footsteps and spoke often about giving his son those values that he had been taught. He was a humble man and he was not embarrassed to shed tears when the atrocites were overwhelming or on a few occasions, poignant.
Many, many times I've said, after watching some speech or some election result or some scandal, "I can't wait to see what Tim Russert has to say." He was so young and he is going to miss perhaps what will be the most important election in the history of America and we will miss him. I shed tears today. Who will be able to step up and try to fill the void?
Thursday, June 5, 2008
PS
See, already I forgot to list a few of the attendees! Brett was one of the fishermen and we have a neat picture of him with Travis. The two of them are laughing it up over something. I also failed to list Amanda. We have some neat pictures of her also. By next year, (actually, by next month) we will have two more to add to the clan. Kristin will have her boy on June 25th and Amanda will have her girl in July. So really I forgot to list four people. Brett, Amanda, Boy Lally and Girl Fitzgerald. Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa.
Fitzgerald Family Fun Festival
We had our first annual FFFF and it was wonderful. We had about 35 people, counting the off spring. The gala took place at Andrea and Travis's home in Oldham Co. Beautiful surroundings, perfect weather, convivial family members and superior food all came together for a perfect day.
There was so much to do! A play ground structure up the hill a little way from the house, that the kids could climb in, slide down the slides , go through tunnels and have a good time in. There was a conventional swing set, with a super swing for adults, they had basket ball hoops, volley ball nets, acres of freshly mown grass to run on, a fishing lake, full of fish, and a long looping drive way that was ideal for riding one of the vehicles that were available to us. Any thing from a small hot wheel to a full sized ATV and plenty of helmets to go around.
Gregg had smoked a turkey in his "Big Green Egg" smoker and Andrea provided the ham and sandwich breads,and the appetizers and every one else brought a dish. People grazed on the shrimp cocktail, salsa and chips, and crackers and pimento cheese washed down by Margaritas, Pinot Noir, or your beer of choice. What a day!
It just happened to be the day before Kathy's birthday so we had a BD cake, complete with candles, (in keeping with the fire laws, we didn't have the full number of candles) and we had cup cakes and compotes of fruit. A feast fit for the Fitz Clan!
The little people, Gus, Abby, Kadon, Preston, Pearce, Robert, Jimmy, Sean, Bridget, Conor, and the two middle aged people, Julie and Jeff and the biggins' Paul, Travis, Scott, Tim and Joe all fished, while Maureen, and Marie hung out with the rest of us. Karen, Linda, Kristin, Jane, Andrea, Angela, Kathy, Stephanie,Erin, Nathan, Mike, Keith, Gregg, Lee and me. Brian took pictures of the fishers and the loungers and they are great.
Since I have been teaching school for 39 years and the number one teacher gift at Christmas time is an ornament. I had a plethora of ornaments. I have not had a Christmas tree these last years because it is too much of a chore to put it up by myself so I had a Great Ornament Give away. We displayed all of the ornaments on long tables that stretched across the width of Andrea's lower room and let everyone pick ornaments of their choice. We saved the ones that were not picked and will put them out next year at the 2009 FFFF. Any one wishing to get rid of an ornament can put it out with next year's crop.
The day was so full and there was so much to do and to talk about, I'm sure I have forgotten something noteworthy but if I think of any more I will write another blog tomorrow. We missed Jeanine, Rick, John and Jack, Shannon, Lenny, Eric, Nicholas and Daniel, Patrick,Kristy,and Alex, Courtney, Al, Ellen, Sam and Madeline, Larry, Doc and Paula. We hope they will join us next year and we can have even more fun!! Thank you Andrea for thinking the event up and thank you Travis for being such a good host, thanks Gregg for the turkey, and the riding machines. Thank everyone else for being there. Wasn't it fun?
There was so much to do! A play ground structure up the hill a little way from the house, that the kids could climb in, slide down the slides , go through tunnels and have a good time in. There was a conventional swing set, with a super swing for adults, they had basket ball hoops, volley ball nets, acres of freshly mown grass to run on, a fishing lake, full of fish, and a long looping drive way that was ideal for riding one of the vehicles that were available to us. Any thing from a small hot wheel to a full sized ATV and plenty of helmets to go around.
Gregg had smoked a turkey in his "Big Green Egg" smoker and Andrea provided the ham and sandwich breads,and the appetizers and every one else brought a dish. People grazed on the shrimp cocktail, salsa and chips, and crackers and pimento cheese washed down by Margaritas, Pinot Noir, or your beer of choice. What a day!
It just happened to be the day before Kathy's birthday so we had a BD cake, complete with candles, (in keeping with the fire laws, we didn't have the full number of candles) and we had cup cakes and compotes of fruit. A feast fit for the Fitz Clan!
The little people, Gus, Abby, Kadon, Preston, Pearce, Robert, Jimmy, Sean, Bridget, Conor, and the two middle aged people, Julie and Jeff and the biggins' Paul, Travis, Scott, Tim and Joe all fished, while Maureen, and Marie hung out with the rest of us. Karen, Linda, Kristin, Jane, Andrea, Angela, Kathy, Stephanie,Erin, Nathan, Mike, Keith, Gregg, Lee and me. Brian took pictures of the fishers and the loungers and they are great.
Since I have been teaching school for 39 years and the number one teacher gift at Christmas time is an ornament. I had a plethora of ornaments. I have not had a Christmas tree these last years because it is too much of a chore to put it up by myself so I had a Great Ornament Give away. We displayed all of the ornaments on long tables that stretched across the width of Andrea's lower room and let everyone pick ornaments of their choice. We saved the ones that were not picked and will put them out next year at the 2009 FFFF. Any one wishing to get rid of an ornament can put it out with next year's crop.
The day was so full and there was so much to do and to talk about, I'm sure I have forgotten something noteworthy but if I think of any more I will write another blog tomorrow. We missed Jeanine, Rick, John and Jack, Shannon, Lenny, Eric, Nicholas and Daniel, Patrick,Kristy,and Alex, Courtney, Al, Ellen, Sam and Madeline, Larry, Doc and Paula. We hope they will join us next year and we can have even more fun!! Thank you Andrea for thinking the event up and thank you Travis for being such a good host, thanks Gregg for the turkey, and the riding machines. Thank everyone else for being there. Wasn't it fun?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)